As a professional animal behaviorist, dog trainer and dog guardian who is head over heels in love with my own dogs, I've sampled a wide variety of dog toys, product trends, and activities during the past 12 years of working with client dogs, shelter dogs and especially my own aging old soul of a Labrador, Lyra Dog.

Throughout these years, one simple concept has proven to be worth its weight in gold: find a game to play together. Games tire out the youngster, teach top-notch manners in a fun way, engage (even the aging) mind and vastly deepen our bond with our pets. Full and "lite" versions of today's dog sports offer the perfect opportunity to do just that.

The world of dog sports has expanded considerably over this past decade and countless opportunities abound for every dog. No longer just a world for medium-sized, purebred or youthful athletes, doggie sports now cater to the blended breeds, the aging souls, the toy as well as giant breeds and even the couch potatoes.

Competition is no longer the driving force behind dog sports. Instead, the developing power of the relationship and the depth of shared enjoyment is the reason we keep coming back to find another game and try a new sport even long after the body has slowed and the exercise needs have decreased. Sport games are about sharing a unique and special experience with a dear four-legged friend. If ribbons or awards happen to be involved, super. But the gold-medal moment is really just participating alongside your best buddy while you achieve something great together.

Fun for all

When my Labrador was a youngster, we participated in agility classes together. Agility is a very popular sport in which you guide your dog through an obstacle course while racing against the clock. We had a blast, but there was no chance that my girl was going to be a competitor. It didn't bother me one bit. She developed a sense of her big, young Labrador body (and the momentum that accompanied her) as well as the confidence to explore new and unusual objects.

I learned some fun training skills, but most importantly, we learned how to communicate and listen to one another. Suddenly we became partners. And we have continued to be partners for nearly 12 years now.

While an adolescent Lyra and I participated in agility class, my mom joined us her with young dog, Daisy. Unlike Lyra, Daisy had the makings of a champion. And a champion she became, participating in national championship trials and receiving more title letters after her name than some of the highest credentialed people I know. In fact, Daisy just received another title this past weekend -- and she's 10 years old. And just in case you think this champion dog must be a Border Collie, think again. Daisy is a pug.

Discovering

surprising talent

My husband, Chris, is brand new to the world of dog sports, yet he and his adorable little black dog, Goose, have recently experienced the thrill of a fantastic new dog sport: dock diving. Dock diving is a blast of a sport for dogs in which they compete for jumping in height or distance from a dock into the water. It's a blast for dogs who love water and love to retrieve. Opportunities are available at local indoor dog pools, fairs and community events.

One of our dearest training "clients," a tiny 5-year-old Yorkie named Zoelie Bleu participates in one of the newest dog sports to hit the scene: K9 Nosework. You may think this 6-pound beauty is suited for lap time and snuggling, but in reality she is a brilliant and energetic athlete whose scenting abilities are so well developed by participating in this sport, she can search for and find specific scents -- indoors, outdoors, and even in vehicles.

K9 Nosework is also among the most welcoming of dog sports. It caters to young and old, physically healthy and physically challenged, dogs who enjoy the company of other dogs as well as those who would prefer to play with people only.

Try out a sport with your pup and begin a new chapter of your story together. If you have a story to share about how a sport or a game with your dog has enriched your and your pet's life, I'd love to hear it. Share your story with me at Lindsay.Wood@boulderhumane.org.

Lindsay A. Wood is director of Animal Training & Behavior for the Humane Society of Boulder Valley and an Associate Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist. The Training Center is located at 2323 55th St. in Boulder and offers public classes every day of the week. Info: boulderhumane.org

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